In continuing tests of the new nonlethal weapon called the Active Denial System, an unidentified airman sustained second-degree burns. The 820th Security Forces Group at Moody AFB, Ga., is testing the device, which is supposed to cause targeted individuals to feel hot but not get burned. The 820th began testing the system earlier this year, working to meet a Pentagon date of 2010 for fielding. News reports indicated the airman, who is a member of the 820th, was treated at a local hospital and released.
The Air Force wants to pump more than $12 billion over the next five years into its new affordable long-range missiles program and recently asked industry to push the flights of some of those munitions beyond 1,200 miles.